At The Dick Barr Group, we understand that maintaining and enhancing your home requires access to reliable, high-quality service providers. Over the past two decades, we've dedicated ourselves to building an exclusive directory of trusted professionals across Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois, including areas such as Gurnee, Grayslake, Wadsworth, Antioch, McHenry, Johnsburg, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake, Libertyville, Wauconda, Fox Lake, and more. Our Commitment to Quality Each service provider in our directory has been thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet our stringent standards: Personal Experience: We've personally utilized their services and have been completely satisfied with the results. Trusted Referrals: They come highly recommended by our past clients and associates, whose opinions we value and trust. Comprehensive Service Categories Our directory encompasses a wide range of services to meet all your home-related needs. Here are some of the categories included: AttorneyLegal professionals specializing in real estate, probate, and other legal matters. Appliance RepairExperts in repairing household appliances to keep your home running smoothly. Basement WaterproofingSpecialists who ensure your basement stays dry and protected from water damage. Carpet CleaningProfessionals who clean and maintain your carpets for a fresh and healthy home environment. ElectricianCertified electricians handling all your electrical installation and repair needs. Landscaping/HardscapingDesigners and maintenance experts for your outdoor spaces, including gardens and patios. PlumberQualified plumbers offering services from leak repairs to full plumbing installations. Roof RepairSkilled roofers providing repair and maintenance to protect your home from the elements. Septic Repairs/MaintenanceTechnicians specializing in the upkeep and repair of your septic system. Window & Door InstallationExperts in installing and replacing windows and doors to enhance your home's efficiency and aesthetics. For a complete list of service categories and providers, please visit our Service Partners Page. Exclusive Access and Unmatched Value This directory is a unique resource, curated with care and precision, and is not available elsewhere. We do not receive any compensation for these endorsements; our primary goal is to connect you with professionals who can deliver exceptional service. In return, our referral partners have committed to prioritizing clients referred by us, ensuring you receive prompt and attentive service. Contribute to Our Growing Network We believe in continuously enhancing our directory to better serve our community. If you know of a service provider who meets our high standards, we invite you to nominate them for inclusion. Please email us at db@dickbarr.com with the following details: Type of Service Offered Business Name Contact Information: Including phone number, email address, and website, if available. We will review each submission carefully to ensure it aligns with our commitment to excellence. Serving the Heart of Illinois Our dedication extends across Lake and McHenry counties, including: Lake County: Gurnee, Grayslake, Wadsworth, Antioch, Libertyville, Wauconda, Fox Lake, Ingleside, Lindenhurst, Lake Villa, Volo, and surrounding areas. McHenry County: McHenry, Johnsburg, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake, and neighboring communities. By focusing on these regions, we ensure our clients receive localized and highly relevant recommendations. Experience the Difference At The Dick Barr Group, our mission is to enhance your homeownership experience by connecting you with trusted professionals. Our exclusive directory reflects our unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled value and support to our clients in Lake and McHenry counties. Discover the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have access to the best service providers in your area. Contact us today to learn more about our exclusive directory and how it can benefit you.  

The story of Fox Lake's dark ties to organized crime didn’t begin on that fateful night in 1930. During the Roaring Twenties, as Prohibition gripped the nation, Lake County became a crucial battleground for Chicago’s mob bosses. The Chain O'Lakes, with its sprawling waterways and secluded areas, was a perfect haven for bootlegging operations. Gangsters ferried illicit booze smuggled from Canada under the cover of darkness, establishing hideouts and resorts that catered to their criminal enterprises. One of the most infamous locations in this saga was Manning’s Hotel, a lakeside retreat that doubled as a gathering spot for the Chicago underworld. Owned by local entrepreneurs looking to profit from Prohibition's lawless allure, the hotel saw its fair share of shady deals and violent feuds. Rival factions—loyal to the North Side’s Bugs Moran or the South Side’s Al Capone—jockeyed for control over this lucrative territory. The stakes were high, and the price of disobedience was often paid in blood. On June 1, 1930, this simmering tension finally exploded. The air was sticky and heavy, a typical summer night in Fox Lake, Illinois. Manning’s Hotel, quaint in appearance, masked its bloody undercurrent of mob activity. Inside, laughter and clinking glasses echoed from the enclosed porch. Members of Chicago’s most infamous gangs were gathered, enjoying a rare moment of camaraderie. But outside, a storm of bullets was about to erupt. At the center of this deadly story is George 'Machine Gun' Druggan, leader of the Druggan-Lake Gang. His gang, along with Michael Quirk of the Klondike O’Donnell Gang, Sam Pellar, and Joseph Bertsche, operated as allies or underlings in Capone’s sprawling network. They were untouchable—or so they thought. But Prohibition wasn’t just about alliances; it was about revenge, greed, and territory. At 1:40 a.m., all hell broke loose. Gunfire shattered the quiet night. Bullets tore through the windows and ripped into the wooden walls of the porch. Glass exploded, and the air filled with screams and chaos. The shooters didn’t just come to scare—this was an execution. By the time the smoke cleared, three men lay dead. Michael Quirk, Sam Pellar, and Joseph Bertsche were riddled with bullets, their bodies sprawled on the blood-soaked floor. George Druggan and Vivian McGinnis survived, but just barely. George was hit in the arm, and Vivian’s injuries left her permanently scarred. But who pulled the trigger? And why? Theories abound, but the most compelling suggests Bugs Moran orchestrated the hit as retaliation for the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Just a year earlier, Capone’s men had gunned down seven of Moran’s crew in cold blood. The victims of the Fox Lake Massacre, loyal to Capone, suggest this was Moran’s attempt to reassert power in the ongoing beer wars. It was a bloody message: Moran wasn’t finished yet. The Fox Lake Massacre didn’t just send shockwaves through the criminal underworld; it etched itself into the fabric of Lake County’s history. Manning’s Hotel, long a hub for illicit activity, now holds the dual legacy of its elegant past and its sinister ties to organized crime. As the Encyclopedia of Chicago History notes, this region was a hotspot for gang activity during Prohibition, with its idyllic lakes masking a dangerous undercurrent of betrayal and violence. Today, Manning’s Hotel still stands, transformed into a charming Airbnb destination. Visitors bask in its picturesque views, often unaware of the blood-soaked history lurking beneath the surface. Locals, however, haven’t forgotten. They speak in hushed tones about the ghosts of the Chain O’Lakes—phantoms of gangsters who paid the ultimate price in the fight for dominance. Whether it’s the eerie sounds of footsteps in the night or the cold whispers of wind off the water, the legacy of the Fox Lake Massacre lingers in the air. This is just one of the many stories that make Lake County a place where history, mystery, and legend intertwine.  

Fox Lake, IL, affectionately known as the "Gateway to the Chain O'Lakes," is a vibrant village that combines natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a welcoming community. Situated at the heart of one of the largest inland waterway systems in the United States, Fox Lake is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and homebuyers alike. “Fox Lake offers a unique lifestyle that’s hard to find anywhere else,” says Dick Barr, a prominent local real estate expert. “It’s perfect for people who love the outdoors but also want the conveniences of a well-connected community.” The Chain O'Lakes, a series of interconnected lakes spanning several communities, is Fox Lake’s centerpiece. “This area is a dream for boating, fishing, and water sports,” Barr explains. “In the summer, it’s full of life, and even in the winter, activities like ice fishing keep the lakes bustling.” Fox Lake also boasts a charming downtown area with a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. “The downtown district has a great energy,” says Barr. “It’s the perfect place to grab a bite, meet friends, or simply enjoy the scenic views of the lake.” Housing in Fox Lake ranges from cozy lakefront cottages to modern single-family homes. “The real estate market here is very diverse,” Barr notes. “Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway property or a full-time residence, Fox Lake has something for everyone.” The village also offers easy access to Chicago and Milwaukee, thanks to the Fox Lake Metra Station and major highways. “The convenience of commuting options makes Fox Lake a great choice for professionals who work in the city but want to come home to a peaceful, lakeside setting,” Barr says. Fox Lake is rich in recreational amenities beyond the lakes, including parks, trails, and events. “We have a strong community here,” Barr shares. “Events like Venetian Night and the farmers market bring everyone together. It’s a place where you can truly feel connected.” When asked what sets Fox Lake apart, Barr says, “It’s the combination of natural beauty, vibrant community life, and great amenities. Fox Lake is more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle.”